The Challenge
To merge gothic grit with playful femininity in a cohesive surface-pattern series that could live across fabric, apparel, and home décor — spooky yet sweet, punk yet polished.
The process
Each pattern began as a Procreate sketch exploring. the "cute x creepy ' spectrum:
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Bite Me, Baby: candy-fang chaos in glossy pinks and reds.
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Witch, Please: pastel witchcore with tarot cards, skulls, and sass.
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Dead Tired: skeletons, coffee cups, and midnight exhaustion rendered adorable.
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Ghosted + Gorgeous: flowing line art that tied everything together in haunted harmony.
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A neon-pastel palette unified the series, balancing sugary. hues with moody contrast.
The Outcome
Released through Spoonflower and Printful, the Dead Cute Collection created a cohesive world of playful-macabre patterns — equal parts spooky and sweet. It captures Smug Pug Ink’s signature duality: cheeky, charming, and impossible to forget.
Reflection
Cute and creepy aren’t opposites; they’re best friends. Dead Cute proves darkness can sparkle — especially when it’s printed on pajama pants.